Ok, so I know I’ve been talking about peach-flavored drinks a bit much lately (what with the Naked Navel and all), but I’ve got to fit just one more in. You see, I just returned from Atlanta and I’ve got Georgia on my mind. And despite the fact that the #1 peach-producing state in the nation is actually South Carolina (a disappointing fact I learned this week) there is no place more synonymous with that fuzzy little fruit than Georgia.

This was my first trip to the ATL, though I’ve visited their airport many-a-time. I guess I expected the city to be like New York, just smaller and hotter with everyone dressed like Lil’ John or Scarlett O’Hara. Those Southern stereotypes were not fulfilled, but just for giggles, here’s a few that were:

I met a liquor store owner named Bubba who talked about a recent Toby Keith concert for about 45 minutes.

Every female server I encountered called me “Hun” and said “Bless Your Heart.”

The TGI Fridays I visited had a “No Guns Allowed” sign on the front door.

Giggles aside, Atlanta was a great city—sprawled out with more green spaces than is typical in major U.S. cities. Everyone I met was friendly and helpful and I had a great time. This drink was inspired by my trip—the peach because it’s Georgia, the blackberries because I had some great ones in a parfait Monday morning, the almond flavor because my Austrian friend, Liz, gave me Mozart chocolate balls with marzipan, and the rum because…well…I just like rum. Here it is—hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Muddle the fresh Blackberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the Rum, Crème de Noyaux, and Peach Juice and stir well. Strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a Peach slice and sprig of Mint.